Kevin O'Reilly

Thanks, Mr. Chair; it's a helpful explanation. So with the GNWT taking on the operations of former NTCL, will that have any impact on the revolving fund? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. So I'm glad to hear that. The problem with the current policy is you get to accumulate credits but if you don't use them up by April 1st they're gone, and that's not the kind of net metering system we should have in place if we want to promote household energy self-sufficiency. So that policy has got to be changed. Thanks, Mr. Chair. I don't have anything further.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. So I understand from what the Minister said that these programs are being sunset. There's still a need for funding, and that's why the Regular MLAs have asked for additional funding for Arctic Energy Alliance. Unfortunately, we're not going to get it from the current position of Cabinet and the Minister, but there's obviously still a need for these programs.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. So although the programs, some of these may have been completed, I think there's still a big need out there. I know of a condo just literally almost next door to where I live on Forrest Drive that was looking for assistance with putting in a wood-pellet boiler. So it sounds like there's still a need for some of these programs. You know, have we replaced all of the compact fluorescent or old-style light bulbs throughout the Northwest Territories? It just sounds like that there's a number of needs still here to continue these programs.

So can someone from the department confirm...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I think that is all I have got for that page. Thank you.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am looking at page 225, and it is the utilities line, the last line in the top section. There is about a $2 million drop there between last year and this year. I am just wondering whether someone from the department can explain that? If that is as a result of energy retrofits, boy, we are really saving a lot of money, but I don't think that is the case, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I do appreciate the complete responses from the Minister. I sincerely thank him for that.

I've talked about the importance of sound air quality regulations for the protection of human health and the environment. Given that this is a new regulatory field for our government and one obviously of great public interest, can the Minister commit to bringing forward a draft of the air quality regulations to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the commitment, then, by the Minister that he would bring forward a supplementary appropriation if Student Financial Assistance gets maxed out. I hope we don't have to go there, but I think I have got a firm commitment from the Minister to do that. Thank you, Mr. Chair. That is it.

Thank you to the Minister for his response. It looks like we have at least one of the three in active negotiations. That is helpful information. I wish the Minister could put that sort of detail on the departmental website.

Have water quality objectives and learning plans been started under any of the existing agreements with Alberta and British Columbia?

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am looking at the line for Student Financial Assistance on page 40. It actually shows a decrease between 201617 and 201718. Even when I look at the revised estimates, there is a decrease. Can someone from the department explain what is going on here, why we are decreasing our funding for Student Financial Assistance? Thank you, Mr. Chair.